Bear One Another's Burdens

Have you ever tried to carry an awkward or heavy object alone? Sometimes, it is downright impossible. Then, along came a friend or coworker and offered to help you carry the load. With two people, the load became much lighter and easier to bear.

We all have burdens that we bear in life. Some have unsaved or wayward loved ones. Others have children with special needs. Still others battle with health conditions. There are financial burdens, physical burdens, spiritual battles, etc. Everyone is either going through a trial, just came out of a trial, or is about to go through a trial.

Sometimes when we are burdened, we feel as though we are the only human beings who have ever experienced what we are going through. We throw a pity party and ask, "Why me?" However, if you look beyond yourself and your problems, you will see a whole lot of hurting people in the world today.

As Christians, we are not called to care for ourselves only. In Galatians 6:2, we read, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Just like someone helping you carry a heavy load, we can help each other through difficult times. If someone is sick, let them know you are praying for them to get well, or even fix them a meal and take it to them. Send a card to a brother or sister that you know is feeling down and try to encourage them.  Sometimes even just a friendly smile can go a long way. I remember a girl in high school telling me something like I was the only one who talked to her or smiled at her in class. You never know how your small actions of kindness can impact someone in a big way. There are many ways to lend a helping hand to someone in need.

We are told in Philippians 2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” If you have an abundance, look for someone that you could be a blessing to that doesn't have as much. Our church is currently helping a school in Africa to get a new roof. In South Africa, there is a family that feeds many orphans. All over the world there are people who need basic necessities. If we have been blessed by our Heavenly Father, why not turn around and use what we have been given to be a blessing to others?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." It is always easier to bear burdens when we have help from one another.

Remember that you are not alone in your trials. Many people have been where you are before. God is always there with you. Look for someone you can help to lift up and encourage. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. Try to be a blessing to others when you can.